Mariamman's worship probably originated in pre-Vedic India. She is the main Tamil mother goddess, predominant in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu. In the post-Vedic period, Mari was associated with Hindu goddesses like Parvati, Kali and Durga as well as with her North Indian counterpart Shitala Devi and Eastern Indian counterpart Manasa.The word Mari has a Sangam Tamil origin meaning "Rain" and the Tamil word Amman means "Mother".Mariamman cures all so
called "heat-based" diseases like pox and rashes. During the summer months in South India people walk miles carrying pots of water mixed with turmeric and neem leaves to ward off illnesses like the measles and chicken pox . In this way the goddess Māri is very similar to the North Indian goddess Shitaladevi.Devotees also pray to Mariamman for familial welfare such as fertility, healthy progeny or a good spouse. The most favoured offering is "pongal", a mix of rice and green gram, cooked mostly in the temple complex, or shrine itself, in terracotta pots using firewood.Most temples to Mariamman are simple village shrines, where both male and female priests perform sacred rituals. In many rural shrines, the goddess is represented by a granite stone with a sharp tip, like a spear head. This stone is often adorned with garlands made of limes and with red flowers. These shrines often have an anthill that could be the resting place of a cobra. Milk and eggs are offered to propitiate the snake.